Emir of Dutse Launches April 2025 Immunization Drive, Breaks Ground for New Jiba Health Post
DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE – April 27, 2025
By Abdulhamid Sani, Public Eye News
In a significant boost to public health initiatives in Jigawa State, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi, OFR, the Emir of Dutse, today personally led the flag-off ceremony for the April 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs). The event, held in Jiba Village, Dutse Local Government Area, also saw the Emir perform the groundbreaking for a much-needed new health post, underscoring a dual commitment to preventative care and accessible healthcare infrastructure.
The NIPDs flag-off, initially planned for the Hadejia Emirate under His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Abubakar Maje, CON, was thoughtfully relocated to Dutse following the recent bereavement of the Galadiman Hadejia’s mother.
The Jiba Village event drew a distinguished gathering, including the Executive Chairman of Dutse LGA, Dr. Sibu Abdullahi, key health officials, respected district heads, and other traditional rulers. Crucially, representatives from vital development partners and Civil Society Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Corona Management Systems, Chigari Foundation, Sultan Foundation, and the Vaccine Network were present, highlighting the collaborative effort underpinning Jigawa’s health strategy.
Representing Dr. Shehu Sambo, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (JSPHCDA), who was on official duty in Abuja, was Alhaji Hassan Shuaibu Kwalam, the Director of Primary Health Care. Alhaji Kwalam delivered a compelling message on the critical importance of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for children. He passionately urged community members to ensure every eligible child receives the vaccine and emphasized the necessity of utilizing health facilities for routine immunizations. He extended deep appreciation to the Emir of Dutse and the Dutse LGA leadership for their unwavering support for health programs.
Following the immunization launch, the Emir laid the foundation stone for a new health post in Jiba Village. This vital facility, fully funded by the Dutse Local Government, represents a significant investment in bringing healthcare services closer to the people at the grassroots level.
In his remarks, the Emir of Dutse praised the Jiba community for their proactive engagement in vaccination programs. He encouraged them to maintain their strong support for immunization and other public health initiatives essential for the community’s well-being.
Speaking with Public Eye News, Mr. Musbahu Basirka from the Vaccine Network commended the Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (JSPHCDA) for its dedicated efforts towards achieving zero-dose immunization coverage in the state. He specifically lauded the leadership of Executive Secretary Dr. Sambo Shehu and Director of Primary Health Care Mr. Hassan Kwalam, noting their effective “open door policy and strategy.” Mr. Basirka also expressed gratitude to the Emir of Dutse, HRH Alh Hamim Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi CFR, and Dutse LGA Chairman Dr. Sibu Abdullahi for their tangible commitment to advancing healthcare within the local government. He added optimistically, “Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency is achieving a lot and it will continue to achieve more and more under the leadership of its Executive Secretary Dr. Sambo Shehu and Mr. Hassan Kwalam.”
This dual event signifies a renewed push for comprehensive child health and improved healthcare access in Jigawa State, driven by traditional leadership, government commitment, and strong partner collaboration.
(29/10/1446AH)
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